"Yes" - he will decide his future in March or April. And he went on, giving more away than usual.

"No matter what happens I will manage next season, whether it's here or somewhere else. I have strength and confidence to deal with disappointments"

Wenger plans to make a decision on his future in either March or April

That caused a stir in the room. Mr Arsenal, not ruling out being elsewhere after the summer.

Wenger was beginning to almost enjoy the jousting with journalists. His explanation of Alexis Sanchez's flight out of England gave him pleasure. Killing any conspiracy theory stone dead: "He has gone to Barcelona for a court case [tax] and will be back tomorrow."

He talked Sutton. He talked injuries and then, five minutes sooner than usual, his press officer called things to a halt.

This was never going to be an easy day for Arsene. But he played a blinder. It's a pity his players don't always do the same.